Ch. 118                                    2003 LAWS OF MARYLAND

10-128.

(a) An earnings withholding order or an earnings withholding notice sent to
the obligor's employer shall:

(1)     be a separate document, and not include any other orders or
pleadings; and

(2)     include only the following information:

(i) the amount to be withheld from the obligor's earnings including
explanation of the application of the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act limits:

(ii) that subject to further orders of the tribunal, the employer is
required to withhold the stated amount on a regular and continuing basis
commencing on the beginning of the next pay period after receipt of the earnings
withholding order or the earnings withholding notice;

(iii) that the employer may deduct and retain from the employee's
earnings an additional $2 for each deduction made under the earnings withholding
order or earnings withholding notice;

(iv) that the net amount withheld is to be sent promptly to the State
disbursement unit [or the recipient as specified in the order]; and

(v) any other information that the employer needs to comply with
the earnings withholding order or earnings withholding notice,

10-129.

(a) On receipt of a copy of an earnings withholding order or earnings
withholding notice an employer shall, beginning with the next pay period after
receipt of the earnings withholding order or earnings withholding notice:

(1)     deduct the amount of the withholding from the obligor's earnings on
a regular basis; and

(2)     send the deducted net amount directly to the State disbursement unit
[or the recipient, as specified in the earnings withholding order or earnings
withholding notice,] within 7 days not including Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday
after the day on which the earnings are paid to the obligor.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act is an emergency
measure, is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health or safety,
has been passed by a yea and nay vote supported by three-fifths of all the members
elected to each of the two Houses of the General Assembly, and shall take effect from
the date it is enacted.

Approved April 22, 2003.

- 1286 -